Mark Ruffalo To Be a "Lean and Mean" Hulk in "The Avengers"

Receive the latest popcornbiz updates in your inbox

Mark Ruffalo’s gotten lean, mean and ready to get green as the Incredible Hulk in the upcoming “Avengers” film.

While promoting his directorial debut “Sympathy for Delicious,” Ruffalo said that shooting begins the first week of May and the actors are waiting for the final screenplays to come in at any minute. “We've been working on the script, which has been fun,” he said. “I've been working with [director] Joss Whedon on the script with the rest of the cast. We start rehearsals soon. So hopefully we'll have the mother of all comic book movies for you soon!”

“I've lost 15 pounds,” the actor revealed. “They didn't want me all ripped up, but they want me to do be lean and mean. I’ve been trying to get the psychology of somebody who knows at any moment they could literally tear the roof off of wherever they are. I'm trying to bring – I don't know – something real to that, and totally fantastic.”

Using “Avatar”-style motion-capture technology, Ruffalo will not only be portraying Dr. Bruce Banner, he’ll be providing the basis for the Jade Giant’s physical action as well (and as a bonus, original TV Hulk Lou Ferrigno is expecting to provide the growls, grunts and raging roars).

Ruffalo said he has no qualms about stepping into the shredded purple pants previously donned by Eric Bana and Edward Norton in the previous two films. “Yeah, man, are you kidding me? I've got some big shoes to fill. I feel like it's my generation’s 'Hamlet'. We're all going to get a shot at it!”

Sound like he’s ready for his Hulk-out close up. As Ruffalo previously told us a few months ago, “I've got 43 years of rage pent up in me ready to come out.”

Published at 4:46 PM EDT on Apr 7, 2011 | Updated at 2:42 PM EDT on May 30, 2012